Children are susceptible to all kinds of infections. In fact, children can carry certain viruses in their oral (nose or mouth) mucosa and spread them to other children via sneezing or laughing. In some cases, the viruses can also contaminate certain surfaces and touching them can help spread the condition. Fortunately, some common diseases in children can resolve on their own.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a contagious viral illness that is considered to be the classic childhood disease, says MedlinePlus, a website of the National Institutes of Health. Specific symptoms of chickenpox include fever, headache, stomachache, poor appetite and rash. Specifically, children will develop 250 to 500 tiny fluid-filled blisters on the skin. These blisters can affect the trunk, face and scalp. Eventually, the blisters will form a scab.
The varicella-zoster virus is responsible for causing the chickenpox.
Taking an oatmeal bath or using medications such as antihistamines or antiviral drugs can help minimize chickenpox symptoms.
Mumps
Mumps refers to an infection that infiltrates the parotid glands, paired salivary glands on either side of the face. The Mayo Clinic says that outbreaks of mumps still occur in the United States and globally despite the availability of a vaccine to prevent it.
Specific symptoms of the mumps include fever, swollen and painful glands on both or either side of the face, fatigue, weakness and difficulty swallowing or chewing. In some instances, the swollen glands may make the cheeks actually appear to puff out.
The mumps virus is responsible for causing mumps. Saliva droplets that are sprayed into the air when sneezing or coughing can also spread this virus. Sometimes using contaminated objects such as cups or utensils can also lead to the mumps.
No treatment is necessary for the mumps virus as it eventually resolves on its own.
Some complications of mumps include miscarriage, deafness, encephalitis (a brain infection), pancreatitis (a pancreatic inflammation) and orchitis (testicular swelling).
Measles
Measles is another contagious childhood disease association with such symptoms as a cough, fever, blood-shot eyes and rash. Specifically, this rash can last anywhere between 4 and 7 days. It typically starts in the head and moves down the body. Measles also causes sore throat, runny nose, irritated or red eyes and small white spots in the mouth (Koplik spot's).
The measles virus leads to this condition. Contaminated droplets that enter the nose, throat or mouth can lead to the measles.
No specific treatment is available for the measles. Acetaminophen, bed rest and humidified air are some ways to manage the symptoms of measles.
